If a person must choose of their own free will to accept Christ (as Christians have told me, see my earlier question), surely the person who was brainwashed into Christianity at an early age and had no choice in the matter is no more likely to become saved than the person who is forced to become Christian at gunpoint?
Shouldn't Christian parents therefore not raise their children into the religion but let them make their own choice when they are old enough?
2007-09-15 05:22:55 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
First of all, Christianity IS NOT a brainwashing religion like...let's say...Islam. Where you are forced to convert to Islam by threat of death or imprisonment; bow your head or lose it. Christianity is a way of life...a relationship with Jesus Christ, which brings us into a relationship with a loving and compassionate Father; not a cold, indifferent god...like, let's say...Allah. You accept Christ by faith, not by force...that is why GOD (the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Father of Jesus Christ) gave us, mankind, freewill to choose. If a child is brought up in Church, they are introduced at an earlier age to the Holy Spirit, which directs them to ask Christ into their lives and be saved. Now, if the child grows into adulthood, and chooses not to follow Christ, again, that is their decision...not Dad's, Mom's or the Preacher's...it is their decision. Parents want what is best for their kids...either Christian parents or Muslim parents, and both should take every step possible to direct their child to a faith based relationship...however, I have many Muslim friends who are now Christians because they say after being "forced" into Islam...worshiping a god who may or may not save them; they have found freedom and faith in Jesus Christ. Will you accept Him today? He loves you...He died for you...and He promises you salvation, love, hope and freedom like no other... the choice is yours. Chris
2007-09-15 05:45:18 · answer #1 · answered by Brother Chris 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Being raised in a Church does not make you a Christian either. Children are raised to respect their elders, treat people fairly, and are taught the beliefs of the Church. When they become old enough to make the decision of their own free will they then become a Christian if they choose to do so. I have two daughters. They have both questioned their beliefs one still has questions. They have to come to the decision of their own free will. I can't force her to believe. I can only teach her what I believe live my life the best I can. And yes since I am a Christian hope that she does choose to follow that path. If you have questions then ask them do the research but don't close your heart off completely.
2007-09-15 05:39:34 · answer #2 · answered by Lisa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Parents should raise their children to be the best people they can be. I almost think you might be the same kind of person who sees a rude, bratty kid and says, "Their parents should teach them some manners." That's a bit of a double standard. As shouldn't parents not teach them manners and then let them make their own choice when they're old enough?
Parents should teach right and wrong. To appreciate things. To be grateful. A lot of times they see Christianity as a tool to teaching these things. And that is not wrong.
And every religious person out there, whether they were raised in it or not, had to one day make that choice. They had to sit and think one day what they're really going to believe and how they are going to spend the rest of their life.
2007-09-15 05:45:04 · answer #3 · answered by Lex 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At gun point...well, depends if they whole heartedly TRULY mean that they accept the Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Then they are saved. If they dont mean it then No, they are not saved, it is just lip service. Children who are raised in the church will come to make their own opinions, like I did. When they are of an age where they can choose or not choose to be a Christian they are considered born again. Islam forces people to believe in their religion and follow their rules even if you arent Muslim. (I'm in an Islamic country currently) Since I am forced to follow their rules does this make me Muslim? NOPE. ;) Have a good day!
2007-09-15 05:37:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shouldn't Christian parents therefore not raise their children into the religion but let them make their own choice when they are old enough?
- If you are correct, then we need to leave the kids at home instead of bringing them to church with us. Or dump them in the nursery with Disney characters, forget any spiritual connection. Jesus is for those above the age of reason only.
2007-09-15 06:33:42 · answer #5 · answered by ccrider 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Isn't the Hell threat the exact same thing as a Gun? The only difference is the gun will end your physical life now, but hell, according to Christianity, is for eternity.
As for the children, I don't have a problem with the parents teaching their children about the religion. It's when they threaten the child or ostracize the child because the child doesn't follow the religion. Then it should be considered abuse.
And according to some Christians, it's not up to the person to choose - it's whether or not God draws them to him. If God doesn't draw a person to Him, how is it then the individuals fault for not believing? And just how is Hell Just/Merciful for those whom God Himself chose not to bring into his flock?
Mainstream Christianity is a contradition.
2007-09-15 05:45:22 · answer #6 · answered by River 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it". Proverbs 22:6
Parents teach and train..the ultimate decision to choose Christ however, is up to the child. A parent is a leader and wayshower but eventually everyone must make a personal decision of the heart ,concerning accepting the grace of God.
Akin to a "shotgun" wedding,gunpoint salvation is a decision made in response to the fear of man,rather than a heartfelt response to the fear of God.
2007-09-15 05:37:39 · answer #7 · answered by bonsai bobby 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You do not yet perceive in Spirit the saving-drawing-up Power of our Universe Sovereign Creator Father-Son Jesus Christ.
John 12:32 and actually stated then and NOW by Jesus is fully True: "... I Jesus will draw all Humans to Me."
Then, each human, in the full Personal Presence of God and Jesus and as One in Spirit, will be shown his or her finality Paradise Destiny and will be asked if this is absolutely acceptable or Absolutely not ...and thus final extinction of personality. Choose wisely. Some Humans have even now accepted in Jesus their perfect Paradise Finality Destiny ! Too wonderful, sacred, transforming, joyful ...more ...all beyond mere Human words ! Thank You my loving Creator God and Saving Father and Eternal Friend Who Is all in/as Jesus here in Spirit. John 16:7-16 is fully true also.
Peace and progress,
Brother Dave, a Jesusonian Christian Truthist
http://www.PureChristians.org/ Gospel enlarging website,
proclaiming worldwide the True Religion
OF JESUS and ABOUT JESUS and IN JESUS
Come and share !
2007-09-15 05:47:30 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i'm no longer a christian yet while they be certain to settle for the religion in a while then they are going to grow to be a believer in jesus christ or christianity. besides that's how many human beings grew to grow to be christians besides by ability of rigidity. Catholics and white adult males have been killing human beings and forcing them to settle for Christianity for many some years. Christians faith human beings have killed and compelled interior the call of Christ.
2016-11-14 12:24:15 · answer #9 · answered by honeywell 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. They should be free to make their own choices but only when they can discern the difference. Guidance is a parent's responsibility the best way they know how up until then.
2007-09-15 05:45:24 · answer #10 · answered by Sal D 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋